July 1st, 2012
I was so glad to finally made it to Abbott’s Grill. This restaurant, located at 249 NE Front Street, Milford, Delaware, is only about 20 minutes away from Lewes, Rehoboth Beach and Dewey. It takes no time to get there. Plus, there is plenty of parking. You know how important that is at this time of the year. And, to top it all, their food is excellent.
Telephone? 302-491-6736. Website? http://www.abbottsgrill.com.
My friend, Susan, and I arrived for lunch. We had seating options. Of course we sat outside. Anytime that is available, I take that opportunity. I don’t know, for some reason, the food even tastes better. It is so much more enjoyable. Their outdoor dining felt comfortable and on fall, winter and spring nights, the fire will be roaring.
Abbotts Grill has a large bar.
It was so nice to see Laura and to meet Kevin and Ryan.
Susan and I proceeded to check the menu and we decided to split their Caprese Salad. Ryan told us that those were the first local tomatoes of the season. Just in, from Fifer Farms. Besides the tomatoes, it also had hand-pulled mozzarella, and the most delicious basil pesto.
Then, Susan chose the Colvine Farm Bison Burger. Colvine Farm is located in the town of Greenwood, Delaware. Back on August 6th of 2010, I wrote a post with pictures. You can go under the Archives and click on that month and scroll down to the day.
The Bison Burger had grilled portobello, smoked onions, applewood smoke bacon, and white cheddar. Juicy, and cooked to perfection.
I wanted to try something different and what caught my attention was the Groovy Lavash Wrap with hummus, cucumber, tomato, goat cheese, and local greens. The wrap was so crispy; a nice crunch to it, and warm to the touch. The rest was perfect on a hot summer day; good combination of flavors.
The cole slaw was so good. It was sweetened with pineapple juice. It had a good consistency; one of the best I have had.
Abbott’s Grill opens 7 days a week. Lost of events and specials every day of the week.
Sunday Brunch with a $5 Fix-It-Your-Way Bloody Mary Bar. 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. There is a la carte menu, $3 Mimosas, Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Crepes, Omelettes and more.
Mondays is $6 Burger Night!!
Tuesdays is Team Trivia.
Wednesday is 1/2 price bottles of select wine.
Thursday is $5 “Tinis”.
Friday and Saturday is Live Music and DJs!!
4th of July Patio Party on Wednesday, 7/4!! From 5:00 p.m. ’till… $4 Drinks, $4 Grill Menu, Live Entertainment.
July 14th is Bastilles Day. Abbott’s Grill Loves Wine and is celebrating with Bernie’s Wine Tastings. There will be an expanded tasting with lunch on the 14th from 12 – 2 p.m. $35/person.
Note: My server was great. I had known her from another restaurant in Rehoboth years ago…I have to apologize, but the name escapes me as of this writing. She was great, told me how to make my own balsamic reduction and now I am hooked.
Also, please note that Abbott’s Grill can handle customers with gluten allergies.
Have a Good One!! Thanks !!
June 23rd, 2012
Turning out to be one of my favorite restaurants in Delray Beach…. Brule Bistro, located at 200 NE 2nd Avenue. Tel. 561-274-2046. Website? www.brulebistro.com.
I remember when Pineapple Grove was just starting out. People did talk back then that it would be an extension of Atlantic Avenue. To some extent, it is. But, it has much more. It has a unique flavor. Lots of little restaurants, boutiques, apartments, gyms, even postal service. Most importantly, it is an artist’s colony, as well. So, when you live in Pineapple Grove, everything is accessible; Atlantic Ave., just a stroll away.
I love the way Brule Bistro has evolved. Love what they have done with the interior of the Bistro. I was told that in July they will be closing for a week; more remodeling, I believe in the kitchen area.
The other night when we stopped for a bite to eat, the restaurant was comfortably crowded. I usually sit outside but being that it was a little too warm and it looked like rain was on the way, we played it safe, and inside we sat. I am glad we did because it was so nice inside.
Brule Bistro makes everything in-house. It opens early and closes late.
It is a great spot for lunch. Sit under their umbrellas and enjoy the balmy South Florida weather.
Try their Gazpacho with Yogurt Creme. It is so good and so refreshing. Even though their menu changes all the time; this popular soup is always on their menu.
As we sat at our table, our waiter brought homemade bread with roasted pepper mousse.
A Grilled Avocado with Roasted Tomato Salsa, sprinkled with Sea Salt and Extra Virgin Olive Oil was ordered as an appetizer.
A Citrus Ceviche Martini with Bay scallops, Laughing Bird Shrimp, Sake and Avocado, was another appetizer ordered. Almost did not get the picture. My guest was too fast.
The Duck Confit Eggroll, House Brined and served with a Mango Mustard Sauce was well received.
I had to order the Braised Local Rabbit Fricassee with Ricotta Gnudi, Oyster Mushrooms and Vegetable Fricassee. It brought memories from when my grandmother used to make it in Puerto Rico. Very good.
For dessert, a decadent and Flourless Chocolate Dome. Dense and rich.
Delray Beach has so many restaurants; it is so nice to find one so comfortable with good food, nice atmosphere, and most of all, attentive service, and reasonable prices.
Until next time, Delray…have a good one!!
March 18th, 2012
Let’s see…how should I start my visit to YOLO? I have eaten at this hip and trendy locale in downtown Ft. Lauderdale probably about 3 or 4 times. All those times have left me with a sense that the social ambiance, the exotic cars, the different attires worn by the patrons overshadowed my food. And, isn’t that what I have come here for? I mean, to dine.
YOLO stands for You Only Live Once. I guess if you do it right, once is really enough, don’t you think? It is located at 333 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Tel. 954-523-1000 Website? www.yolorestaurant.com.
I decided to wear my higher heels too. I really did not want to be looking up all the time. How shallow, but, believe me, you had to be there.
I had made a reservation for outdoors, and was hoping that the weather would hold. It was, actually, a pretty nice evening. To me, outdoors is the place to be; among the bamboo and the fire pit. The fire pit was a gathering place for cocktails and mingling.
No two ways about it, YOLO is a hip and trendy venue. I am starting to believe that food takes second place. So, this was our experience.
Upon arriving the valet guys took my car; no parking at the front of the restaurant; the Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other exotic rides were taking center stage. My Delaware tag did not face the valet guys who were friendly. My car was driven somewhere else. Cost? $5
Our table was waiting for us and it was perfect. We were not next to the fire pit, but could still get some of its warmth.
Our server, Alan, took care of us well. He had lived in Rehoboth Beach for a few years.
For an appetizer we ordered the Steamed Mediterranean Mussels with saffron, white wine, tomatoes and herbs. I usually order mussels anywhere they serve them. To this date none match the ones served at Liquid Assets in Ocean City, Maryland. The ones at Yolo were plump and they looked so good; once tasted, they were a little bland and maybe too big.
A Tuna Sashimi was ordered and it really was delicious; melted in your mouth.
The Grilled Artichokes were outstanding. The grilling added a different taste to their natural flavor.
One of my guests ordered the Grilled Snapper. She wanted it plain with brussel sprouts. It looked too plain for me, almost like some herbs were needed. I think she liked it.
My dish was the Creole Trout with lightly fried shrimp on top. I added roasted beets as a side order. I was not that crazy about my dish. It was just okay, but nothing to write home about. I would have wanted the beets to really be roasted. They did not look that way. The fish, was also a little bland, even though it was supposed to have been Creole, which usually adds a kick to dishes prepared that way.
My husband ordered T’s Prime Rib, thick cut, au jus, with a potato au gratin. We asked Alan, our server, to check the potatoes for possible gluten and the kitchen said it was safe to eat. I believe that was the best entree of the evening. Cooked rare, getting great reviews.
We had a good time…really!! We ate late, enjoyed the outdoors……I still think the social ambiance takes over the experience and enjoyment of the food.
The end of our evening and waiting for my car….some people coming in for the after the after hours lounging. It was getting late.
Note: Check the website for specials and events. Also, Thursdays is a night for locals. YOLO opens for lunch and dinner. Brunch on Sundays is offered from 11:30 until 2:00 p.m.
Talk to you later…
January 11th, 2012
“Lewes has always been essentially a seafaring town. Blessed with an excellent harbor, Lewes is home to a large fleet of charter fishing boats stationed on the canal along Anglers Rd. It is also the base of the Delaware Bay and River Pilots Association, whose members guide cargo vessels to and from the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. The University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean & Environment makes Lewes its home.” lewes chamber of commerce
At times I ask friends what they have been up to and usually the answer is Out & About. So, that’s what I just did Tuesday when I went to Lewes to visit 3 friends. What would I do without them? Don’t know. I find myself so lucky to have so many really good friends. The other day I reposted on Facebook something to the effect that “it did not matter how serious life gets, you want to count on those friends you can be stupid with”. These ladies are definitely on that level of friendship.
Lewes had taken the Christmas decorations down. New year and new expectations for all the coastal towns. The merchants were happy with the holidays; plenty of shoppers, fantastic weather, beautiful scenery. Second Street is the Main Street in Lewes; a quiet day in Lewes it was.
Our choice for lunch was Striper Bites. Lewes offers its visitors and residents many good restaurants within walking distance. Striper Bites is located at 107 Savannah Rd., almost where Savannah Rd. meets Second St. Tel. 302-645-4657. Website? www.striperbites.com. It is a most loved neighborhood restaurant with 2 other sister restaurants in Lewes; Kindle and Half Full.
Striper Bites opens year-round, full bar, plenty of seating; in the summer outdoor dining is available all the way into fall. Please note that they will be taking a well deserved rest; closing on Sunday, 1/15 until Thursday, 2/9.
Our server had to come a few times to our table. You know how it is, we were trying to out talk each other; catching up.
We had a laid back lunch. Since we are trying to watch our figure after the holidays then soup and salad is what we ordered. To tell you the truth I should probably be eating a piece of lettuce and call it a day. Anyway, this is what we had.
Jody and I decided on the Striper Bites House Salad. This salad was a mixture of fresh greens with archichoke hearts, roma tomatoes, kalamata olives, cukes, red onion rings tossed in Italian vinaigrette and topped with toasted pinenuts and crumbled bleu cheese. Jody and I decided to substitute the bleu cheese for feta cheese.
I thought the salad was very good. After some of the food I had been eating lately, it was refreshing and light. Toasted pinenuts added that extra crunch.
Our friend, Debbie D, had the same salad with the bleu cheese but she went the extra mile of topping it with grilled Rockfish. She thought it was delicious. We live on the coast and seafood is the specialty of many of our restaurants.
One friend that does not need to watch her weight is the other Debbie that was with us. Nevertheless, a hearty beef vegetable barley soup hit the spot. Nothing better than soup on a chilly day. She thought it was well seasoned and the barley and vegetables were enough for a light lunch.
I looked around and the restaurant was crowded. Good to see the people Out & About.
A few cups of coffee and tea completed what I always find a priceless time with friends.
Please note that Striper Bites opens Mondays through Saturdays from 11:30 until closing. Check the website for specials and events; they have plenty. It is closed on Sundays and….No reservations.
November 17th, 2011
Since a good friend has made his home in Naples, I decided I needed to learn a little about this town that is known for its beaches, its simple elegance and its wonderful restaurants, relaxing cafes, fun bistros and shops.
Naples is also known as Paradise Coast. It is in Collier County and it was founded in the late 1880s. I did not know why it was called Naples bu,t apparently, when it was founded, stories telling of the mild climate in the area, as well as having abundant fish and game, likened it to the Italian peninsula. Then, the people promoting the area described it as “surpassing the bay in Naples, Italy”.
So, after driving a couple of hours from Delray we were a little hungry. Having someone with a gluten allergy, at times, it can be tricky as where you find a restaurant that can accommodate you. Of course, on my husband’s mind were stone crabs, having seen them at the Delray GreenMarket on Saturday. That might have to wait.
We arrived in the historic district of Naples; Historic Third St. South and we set our sights on a restaurant called Handsome Harry’s Third Street Bistro, located at 1205 Third Street South, Naples, FL 34102. Tel. 239-434-6400. Website? www.handsomeharrys.com.
Our friend, Jay, had never been, but the restaurant had been recommended some time ago. This was the perfect time to try it out.
The restaurant was not very crowded when we arrived. You could sit outdoors, or, in a dining room that opened on all sides, where you could still enjoy the warm weather, but sheltered from the direct sun.
Handsome Harry’s also has an indoor dining salon that is more sophisticated and reserved than the other casual and relaxing dining choices.
Thirsty; drinks were ordered. Looking through the menu; definitely American Cuisine. There was an extensive wine list, which by the way you can check on their website.
Following is what we ordered:
The “Lobster” Salad – Chilled Maine Lobster meat tossed in their unique dressing, and served over a nest of greens with sliced avocado and fresh mango; finished with a lemon chive aioli. A generous serving and my husband thought it was very good.
The Lobster Roll – It was the lobster salad served in a toasted hoagie roll New England style with sweet potato fries. Jay thought it was delicious.
When I opened the menu, my eyes went to their Char Grilled C.A.B. Cheese Burger – Cooked medium and served on a seeded Kaiser roll with aged cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle and French fries. This burger was big and, yes, I ate it all, including the fries. Very good.
We did not have dessert; just our own conversation was enough at this time. The day was still young, plenty of time for dessert later.
Handsome Harry’s has entertainment in the evenings. You can check the schedule on their website.
If you are an early diner, they have available a very good offering; a starter, entree and dessert at a reasonable price.
Note: It will be closed for Thanksgiving.
So far, so good, Jay….next…
September 28th, 2011
“Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what’s for lunch.” orson welles
September is my favorite time of the year, but I am not sure about this September. It seemed that all we have gotten are clouds, rain, and fog. It looks like we are going full blast ahead with the Second Season.
As I was walking around Rehoboth Beach yesterday I noticed that the beach was so empty. A solitary man looking for “treasures”, another one fishing, even thought I did not know where he had gone.
The north end of the Rehoboth Boardwalk was totally deserted.
Hey, I am not complaining; I was looking forward to this since the beginning of August. The town all to myself. No meters and time for the “ladies that lunch”.
In the 1945 edition of Etiquette, Emily Post referred to luncheon as “generally given by and for women, but it is not unusual especially in summer places or in town on Saturday or Sunday, to include an equal number of men. The result? The term “the ladies that lunch”. It was the ladies’ light meal. And, men that chose to “lunch” were considerate “effeminate”. Times have changed, haven’t they?
I am not kidding myself. I love lunch or dinner. On this particular day, 4 of us got together for lunch; 2 Debbies, 1 Jody and myself. We chose the Summer House Saloon. Really, it is known as the Summer House. An institution as far as a gathering place, saloon, or “taverna” style eatery and watering hole in Rehoboth Beach.
The Summer House was established in 1977. For years, it has been owned by the Big Fish Restaurant Group. I have written plenty of times about Big Fish Grill in Rehoboth. I thought I better write about them; don’t want them to get jealous. Popular, crowded and consistent.
This Group owns 6 restaurants, one seafood market and one seafood wholesale company.
The Summer House is located at 228 Rehoboth Ave., right in the heart of the Avenue. Tel. 302-227-3895. Website? www.summerhousesaloon.com. It opens 7 days a week. Mondays through Saturdays for lunch at 11:30, Sunday’s Brunch at 11 a.m. and dinner every day at 4 p.m.
I am glad that Jody suggested we had lunch there. The reviews are mixed; but mostly they are on the positive side.
We sat near the bar. No, we did not have any spirits. We were so busy chatting that our server had to come back a few times. It always happens that way.
It also happened that we all ordered salads. Trying to work out the pounds gained eating all that summer grub.
The Chopped Salad is a standard at Summer House. Very good. It has fresh chopped chicken, greens, cabbage, calamari, carrots, cucumbers, tomato, eggs, mushrooms with a garlic ranch dressing.
The next salad was the Baked Goat Cheese & Mesculine Greens, topped with grilled chicken. The warm goat cheese was at the bottom and the rest of the greens, dried cherries, candied pecans and the lemon thyme vinaigrette followed. It was delicious, especially when you took bites that included the warm goat cheese.
All caught up, content and happy to have seen each other finished a very nice afternoon.
Note: Summer House, just as Big Fish Grill and the rest of their restaurants, are on my top list of eateries that are fully aware of customers with food allergy concerns. They have menus for practically every food allergy, so please do not hesitate to visit the website above mentioned and you will see everything listed on the right hand of the site, including all their specials.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later….
September 9th, 2010
I remember last year when my friend, Debbie, the one that is my partner in crime, told me that her best dinner had been at Eden. I had never been to Eden. I don’t know why because they have been there for more than a few years.
Monday was the perfect evening to try it out. There were 4 of us and it was a beautiful evening. Not crowded, it was the last day of the holiday week-end.
Eden is located at 23 Baltimore Ave. This is a very trendy street in Rehoboth Beach with lots of shops and restaurants. The tel. is 302-227-3330. The website is www.edenrestaurant.com and they open for dinner at 6:00 p.m.
I love the way the restaurant is decorated; open and comfortable with several choices for seating. Tables or booths; I chose the booth. There is a full bar with available seating, as well.
Eden’s motto? “Bold American Food”. Well, let’s see.
Jack was our waiter and he was excellent. I took all his suggestions.
Wine was ordered and Pellegrino water, as well. I like sparkling water.
For the table the appetizers ordered were the Maine Lobster/Local Crab Tower, mango salad, avocado puree and the Grilled Caesar Salad with a classic dressing sun dried tomato/kalamata olive tapenade.
Both delicious. The bold dish was the Grilled Caesar Salad it really had a great taste; the dressing was excellent, perfectly seasoned.
I told Jack that both were good but the Salad was the best of both appetizers.
The pan seared scallops “paella” chorizo rice, mussels, grilled artichokes, olives and pea shoots got rave reviews. Excellent taste.
Another dish was the herb roasted filet mignon, creamed spinach, ravioli, roasted grapes, braised walnuts, capers, red wine sauce. Very good and perfectly cooked.
The Crispy Scottish Salmon, browned butter whipped potatoes, bacon/sweet corn “chowder” seemed to satisfy him.
I had the Veal Chop and because I was talking so much I forgot to write what was my side dish. I think it had a been mash gratin and I remember thinking how good it was at the time. Sorry, I cannot recall; that’s what too much eating does to you. The Veal Chop was very moist and very big.
We almost did not get any dessert for the table but I am glad that Jack talked us into it. It was so pretty. It is called the Tribute to the Candy Bar!! Layered peanut crunch, dark chocolate and peanut butter mousses, ganache, and sea salt. Definitely, for the chocolate lover. Light, believe it or not; so smooth.
So, what can I say but that Eden has those qualities that make up a good restaurant: Quality of ingredients, culinary competence, service and ambiance.
Ingredients should be the best money can buy, a seasoned chef, service attentive; not intrusive, always anticipating what the customer needs. The ambiance; tranquil and relaxing.
Of course, the company makes up the rest of the evening. As usual there is nothing better than sharing a meal with friends.
Talk to you later….
August 24th, 2010
Every week I say that I should not be eating this much raw fish; once again I had that craving for sashimi.
If you are a frequent visitor to the Delaware Beaches you know that we do have excellent restaurants in all the beaches. So many choices and so lucky to be able to experience the best.
On Monday night my craving took me to the Cultured Pearl located at 301 Rehoboth Avenue right on downtown Rehoboth Beach. The telephone is 302-227-8493. Website www.culturedpearl.us. Telephone for carry out is 302-227-4217.
I have been a customer of the Cultured Pearl for many years, going back to their old location on Wilmington Ave. Rob and Susan are the owners of this very popular Asian restaurant.
It is decorated with an inspiration in traditional Japanese architecture; bamboo, flowing water, koi, and live birds.
During the summer months I usually try the downtown restaurants during the week because it is hard to find parking. Actually, I have to be honest with you, it is a pain. But, last night I figured that being that it was a Monday night, and the weather was not the greatest, well, it would be better. And it was.
At first the restaurant did not seem that crowded, that changed later on. On good weather, it is great to sit outdoors. The roof top area has a lake effect; koi below and gazebos on top.
I usually sit at the sushi bar. I go to this restaurant to strictly eat sushi and sashimi, but if you have not acquired a taste for it, don’t worry because the Cultured Pearl is restaurant that also offers American Cuisine.
Those 2 first seats at the sushi bar are the ones I go for. Right in front of Master Sushi Chef, Yasuhiro Sano. Last night he fixed us a little something to wet our appetite. The Firecracker is a roll that is so delicious. It has a kick to it because of the fresh jalapeno. It has tuna, salmon, wrapped in Nori Hasomaki style, tempura battered, topped with spicy mayo, fresh jalapeno, crab meat, sriracha. It is slightly warm and we always order it.
I have ordered Miso soup in every Japanese restaurant, but I must admit that the one at the Cultured Pearl is one of the best if not the best, in my opinion.
Last night I was looking at it wondering how this soup was made. Miso soup consists of a stock called “dashi”, which is a simple broth made by boiling edible kelp and preserved, fermented tuna; then straining the liquid. Hmmm… Then softened miso paste is mixed into it. Miso paste is a seasoning and it is produced by fermenting rice, barley and or soybeans, with salt and the fungus kojikin. Hmmm…again. Miso is high in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals.
I am not thinking again how this soup is made. I love it, anyway.
Two entrees were ordered. Well, look at my sashimi. The live scallops are one of my favorites; eaten with the thinly sliced lime. On the picture, they are on the right hand side. Red snapper in the middle, salmon, tuna, eel, etc. etc. A feast, no less.
The other entree that was ordered was very well received, as well.
By the time we were finished the restaurant was crowded; it was a rainy night in Rehoboth Beach, the people eating outdoors had to come in and I took off to meet Paula so that she could show me what else the beaches had to offer on a Monday night.
Have a great week!!
P.S. The Cultured Pearl is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Check their website.
Note: The Cultured Pearl is also aware of customers with a gluten allergy. Wheat free soy sauce is served upon request.
 
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